FACT to help people choose health insurance

Saturday

Jan 11, 2014 at 12:01 AM

Families and Communities Together (FACT) at 4 Melgrove is taking appointments to assist the community with the enrollment process for the Affordable Care Act. People need to enroll by Wednesday, Jan. 15, to ensure coverage beginning Feb. 1, according to Tom Dugger, FACT executive director.

The open enrollment will end March 31, he said. If you do not currently have insurance, you must enroll for coverage by this time to avoid tax penalties. The Missouri Foundation for Health has provided funds to allow FACT to provide free information on the Affordable Care Act to residents of Lewis, Clark, Marion, Pike and Ralls counties.

Dugger said through the Insurance Marketplace people will have the choice of three types of plans, all health plans will cover the same essential health benefits and each health plan may have different costs, even if they’re the same type of plan.

In general, the more you’re willing or able to pay for each health care service you use, the lower your premium will be. When using the Insurance Marketplace, you may be able to save money on health insurance. If you qualify, premium tax credits will lower how much you pay for your health plan. Cost-sharing reductions will lower how much you spend out of your own pocket for covered health services.

For more information or to talk to someone in person, FACT currently has two certified application counselors who are trained to answer questions and help fill out applications in person. They’re required to provide fair and accurate information with no charges for their services. Call (573) 221-2285 to set up an appointment.